Saturday, October 22: Leaving Madagascar
I was up by 5:00, but Chris managed to sleep a bit later, so we finally got up around 6:30. We spent some time repacking, and then headed over for coffee prior to our 8:30 breakfast.
We all lingered around the table until 10, as there was no rush this time. Pickup was confirmed for 12:45 and the hotel allowed us to keep the rooms until then.
We eventually relocated to the pool which was sunny and warm, though it got crowded with lots of kids. After sitting around soaking up the morning sun for a while, we went in and had a swim. By 11:45 it was time for a shower, and then we did our final packing before checking out. We got some Madagascar wild pepper from the gift shop, and then I was finally able to pay my bill by credit card this time!
The ride back to the airport was quick, and check-in wasn’t too much of a wait, though due to an “equipment change” they had lost everyone’s seat assignments. So the six of us were all completely jumbled up. None of the six of us were with our spouses, which was amazing since each couple was traveling together on their own ticket.
Furthermore, they said that they could only check our bags to Johannesburg, not all the way through to Cape Town – though they could issue us our boarding passes for both flights. Oh well – Madagascar airport just has it out for me, I guess.
Security was the usual running joke between me ringing the metal detector yet again, enduring another pat down, and finally, another bag search. This time they took apart my carry-on camera bag and checked it thoroughly. Who knows what they were looking for.
At least we had lounge access to ease the pain afterwards, though it wasn’t much to speak of. There was Wi-Fi and a plug to charge things, though, and drinks.
The inbound plane was 30 minutes late, so we didn’t board until 3:00 (scheduled departure time) but we managed to take off at 3:30. Hopefully this will result in a not-too-late arrival, as we have just under two hours for immigration, baggage claim, and then rechecking our bags to Cape Town. There is one more flight to Cape Town if we miss ours, but that would result in a very late arrival which would be less fun.
The flight to Johannesburg was nice, and the seating all worked itself out in a very amusing fashion. As the boarding door closed, the guy next to me (not part of our group) hopped up and went to sit with his buddy in the first row, who had an empty seat next to him. Then it was a domino effect, as Chris hopped over to come sit with me, the next person changed seats, and eventually everyone was reunited.
They served a small portion of tasty food (chicken curry salad, or beef skewers) and there were two South African wines to choose from – a Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc blend, and a Shiraz.
It was cloudy, so we lost sight of Madagascar shortly after takeoff and didn't see it again during the flight.
As we crossed the Mozambique Channel, we were excited for the next part of the adventure in South Africa, but we were already missing the amazing sights, wildlife, and adventure that we’d left behind in Madagascar. What a lot of great memories!
I was up by 5:00, but Chris managed to sleep a bit later, so we finally got up around 6:30. We spent some time repacking, and then headed over for coffee prior to our 8:30 breakfast.
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| Traditional French Tartine. Nontraditional confiture! |
We all lingered around the table until 10, as there was no rush this time. Pickup was confirmed for 12:45 and the hotel allowed us to keep the rooms until then.
We eventually relocated to the pool which was sunny and warm, though it got crowded with lots of kids. After sitting around soaking up the morning sun for a while, we went in and had a swim. By 11:45 it was time for a shower, and then we did our final packing before checking out. We got some Madagascar wild pepper from the gift shop, and then I was finally able to pay my bill by credit card this time!
The ride back to the airport was quick, and check-in wasn’t too much of a wait, though due to an “equipment change” they had lost everyone’s seat assignments. So the six of us were all completely jumbled up. None of the six of us were with our spouses, which was amazing since each couple was traveling together on their own ticket.
Furthermore, they said that they could only check our bags to Johannesburg, not all the way through to Cape Town – though they could issue us our boarding passes for both flights. Oh well – Madagascar airport just has it out for me, I guess.
Security was the usual running joke between me ringing the metal detector yet again, enduring another pat down, and finally, another bag search. This time they took apart my carry-on camera bag and checked it thoroughly. Who knows what they were looking for.
At least we had lounge access to ease the pain afterwards, though it wasn’t much to speak of. There was Wi-Fi and a plug to charge things, though, and drinks.
The inbound plane was 30 minutes late, so we didn’t board until 3:00 (scheduled departure time) but we managed to take off at 3:30. Hopefully this will result in a not-too-late arrival, as we have just under two hours for immigration, baggage claim, and then rechecking our bags to Cape Town. There is one more flight to Cape Town if we miss ours, but that would result in a very late arrival which would be less fun.
The flight to Johannesburg was nice, and the seating all worked itself out in a very amusing fashion. As the boarding door closed, the guy next to me (not part of our group) hopped up and went to sit with his buddy in the first row, who had an empty seat next to him. Then it was a domino effect, as Chris hopped over to come sit with me, the next person changed seats, and eventually everyone was reunited.
They served a small portion of tasty food (chicken curry salad, or beef skewers) and there were two South African wines to choose from – a Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc blend, and a Shiraz.
It was cloudy, so we lost sight of Madagascar shortly after takeoff and didn't see it again during the flight.
As we crossed the Mozambique Channel, we were excited for the next part of the adventure in South Africa, but we were already missing the amazing sights, wildlife, and adventure that we’d left behind in Madagascar. What a lot of great memories!
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